Saints team in tandem on The Cycle

Musa Syeed, director of Kashmir-set Valley Of Saints, is re-teaming with producer Nicholas Bruckman and DoP Yoni Brook to shoot his next feature The Cycle in the Republic of Yemen.

“After Kashmir, I wanted to shoot my next film in an unknown and dangerous place. With the experience we gained from making Valley of Saints, we feel pretty comfortable,” Syeed told Screen. “It’s a fast-paced, gritty thriller set in a beautiful, complex and virtually unknown country.”

The Cycle chronicles a teenager’s journey to find his stolen motorcycle that becomes increasingly dangerous as he navigates the tribal politics, corrupt police and deadly militants of modern Yemen.

Syeed said he chose to set his next film in Yemen because it is one of the least developed and under-represented countries in the Gulf. “Not many stories are being told about Yemen,” he said.

The Cycle will be shot on real locations with non-professional actors in 2013. Having received development funds from private investors, Syeed is currently busy casting for the project.

“After the Arab spring in Egypt, it will be interesting to explore the relationship between US and Yemen,” said the New York-based filmmaker of Kashmiri origin.

Syeed’s feature debut Valley Of Saints won the World Cinema Audience Award (Dramatic) and Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance Film Festival 2012. It is screening in the Muhr AsiaAfrica competition here in Dubai.

Advertise with us

Screen International provides a range of effective advertising opportunities both in print and online. Our commercial team will work with you to build the most effective package for your marketing requirement.

Subscribe to Screen

Screen International is the essential multi-platform resource for the international film industry. A subscription now offers much greater value with full access to ScreenDaily.com, ScreenBase and Screen International magazine. Rely on us for expert news analysis, insight and data.

Screen International

Screen International is the leading film industry resource covering the international film markets. We provide a whole-industry perspective from some of the most knowledgeable writers and data analysts in the business. Across print and online mediums, Screen International delivers analysis, opinion and commentary on the issues, people and products shaping the worldwide film industry.